Episodios

  • Ten Things TO DO In Your Faith Deconstruction | Ep. 2013

    Ten Things TO DO In Your Faith Deconstruction | Ep. 2013
    Apr 24 2025

    In this powerful follow-up conversation, Britt Hartley returns to explore 10 practical and emotional steps to take during your faith deconstruction journey. From embracing anger and grief, to rediscovering your identity, setting boundaries, and finding peace in the unknown—this episode is a guide to healing, growth, and transformation.

    Whether you're newly questioning or deep in the process, these insights will help you navigate deconstruction with compassion and clarity.

    Topics include:

    • Grieving your old beliefs

    • Embracing uncertainty

    • Inner child & shadow work

    • Building authentic community

    • Setting loving boundaries

    • Learning to just be


    Join us as we unpack the deep emotional layers of deconstruction and the tools that can truly support your journey.


    ___________________


    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.


    Our overall mission is to:

    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions


    🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today

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    Contact us:

    📧 MormonStories@gmail.com

    📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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    1 h y 26 m
  • Mormon Relief Society President Resigns - Jennifer Jeppson Wilson | Ep. 2012

    Mormon Relief Society President Resigns - Jennifer Jeppson Wilson | Ep. 2012
    Apr 21 2025

    Jennifer Wilson shares her deeply personal journey from growing up in a devout Mormon family to questioning, deconstructing, and ultimately leaving her faith. She opens up about her family's polygamist history, her mission experience, marriage, leadership roles in the church, and the struggles that came with navigating faith transitions. From grappling with church expectations to finding newfound freedom and clarity, Jennifer reflects on how this journey has reshaped her identity, marriage, and parenting.Key Topics Covered: Growing up in a Mormon household & family history, missionary experiences & gender expectations in the church, marriage, motherhood & church leadership roles, doubts, faith crisis & leaving the church, Raising kids outside of Mormonism & rediscovering identity.Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about faith, change, and self-discovery. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!___________________At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
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    3 h y 52 m
  • Ten Things NOT to Do In Your Faith Deconstruction - Britt Hartley | Ep. 2011

    Ten Things NOT to Do In Your Faith Deconstruction - Britt Hartley | Ep. 2011
    Apr 17 2025

    In this episode, we explore 10 common pitfalls people face during religious deconstruction. From navigating relationships and parenting outside of organized religion to the challenges of psychedelics, intellectualism, and identity loss—this is a raw, honest conversation about life after faith. Whether you're just beginning your journey or deep in it, this discussion offers insight, validation, and guidance.

    Key topics covered:

    • Why opening your marriage right after leaving religion may backfire

    • How to provide structure for your kids without religion

    • The psychedelic trap & chasing spiritual highs

    • The “missionary phase” of ex-belief systems

    • Finding meaning beyond religion, without clinging to new dogmas

    • The lifelong process of deconstruction

    • And much more, including Gen Z dating, chakras, free will, and dreams

    Don’t miss her reflections on what she’s learned, what to avoid, and how to move forward with integrity and openness.


    Show Notes

    YouTube


    Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

    Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:

    • One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox
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    • YouTube
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    Contact us:
    MormonStories@gmail.com
    PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117


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    • Insta: @mormstories
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    1 h y 48 m
  • Mormon Women ECSTATIC about Garments Change | Ep. 2010

    Mormon Women ECSTATIC about Garments Change | Ep. 2010
    Apr 15 2025

    After nearly two centuries of strict modesty standards, the Mormon Church has made a historic change—women’s garments now allow for exposed shoulders. In this in-depth panel, Mormon women unpack the significance of this shift. From the garments' Masonic roots and historical designs to the ways they’ve shaped modesty culture, sexuality, and control over women's bodies, this conversation dives deep. The panel also explores the social media response, health concerns, and the ongoing discomfort many women still face. With personal stories, historical context, and commentary on the new designs, this is a must-watch discussion on a topic rarely spoken about so openly.


    Show Notes

    YouTube


    00:00:00 Introductions

    00:18:15 Rules around garments

    00:26:32 Modesty culture shaped by garments

    00:34:10 Church doctrine around garments

    00:39:50 Modesty policing among members - “garment checking”

    01:06:00 The effect of garments on a couple’s sex life

    01:25:00 Photos of the new garment designs

    01:32:00 How would they have received this info as an active believer?

    01:51:00 Nancy’s final comments

    02:02:35 @AndreaFausett video

    02:09:28 @VikaFroclieh video

    02:18:00 Video of woman walking into church in new garments

    02:25:25 Discussion on if tight fitting clothing is okay

    02:27:00 “Gen Z is different”

    02:28:10 Third @AndreaFausett video

    02:332:26 Sharing superchat comments

    02:34:54 @NicoleEversten video

    02:36:25 Second @VikaFroclieh video

    02:42:30 @Haleyrawle video

    02:51:20 @Exponentii_blog video (Abby’s video)

    02:55:32 Final thoughts


    Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

    Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:

    • One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox
    • Support us on Patreon
    • PayPal
    • Venmo


    Our Platforms:

    • YouTube
    • Patreon
    • Spotify
    • Apple Podcasts


    Contact us:
    MormonStories@gmail.com
    PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117


    Social Media:

    • Insta: @mormstories
    • TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast
    • Join the Discord
    Más Menos
    3 h y 1 m
  • TAKING DOWN the Two by Twos Cult (2x2, The Truth) - Kari & Kyle Hanks Pt. 2 | Ep. 2009

    TAKING DOWN the Two by Twos Cult (2x2, The Truth) - Kari & Kyle Hanks Pt. 2 | Ep. 2009
    Apr 14 2025
    In Part 2 of our story, Kyle opens up about his life growing up in the Two by Twos faith — from a childhood shaped by pressure to "uphold the family name," to navigating chronic illness and suppressing his passions for music and basketball in order to prioritize church. We talk about the expectations around professing young, the control over dating, marriage, and even parenting — including the harmful encouragement of corporal punishment.As cracks began to form during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyle and Kari found themselves questioning everything they believed. From hidden doubts, religious trauma, and Kari’s journey of discovering her bisexuality, to the couple’s darkest moments and eventual transformation, this episode dives deep into how they began rebuilding their lives outside the 2x2 world.We also discuss the emerging abuse allegations within the Two by Twos church, the beginnings of their Ex-Two by Two support group, and the broader fight for transparency and accountability in a faith that claims to have no organization at all. This is a raw, emotional, and revealing chapter of their deconstruction journey.Show NotesYouTube00:00:00 Introduction00:04:02 Kyle’s background & upbringing as a 2x200:16:17 What happens when a child “professes”?00:29:06 Feeling immense pressure to stick to the gospel00:34:21 His views on dating at the time00:44:40 2x2 Wedding00:48:23 Were told by multiple people the needed to “break their kids” - corporal punishment very big among 2x200:56:40 How did 2x2 members look at covid/the vaccine/masks?01:12:49 Kari told Kyle she was atheist 01:26:24 Kyle had the feeling that he just ran off a cliff01:37:21 Kari realized, if it feels like the only way out is death, it is not a healthy religion - realized he was giving too much to something that was not giving back01:46:09 Kari got her ears pierced for the first time - was a very liberating experience 01:47:15 “The Ex 2x2 Support Group”01:53:38 Highly respected overseer found dead in a hotel room 02:15:25 “If there is no organization, there is no organization to sue”02:29:55 ‘How do you shut down an organization that doesn't exist?”02:35:02 How much money does the 2x2 church have? How can it be tracked?02:42:00 How do they try to gather with ex-members?02:53:15 ConclusionMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord
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    2 h y 56 m
  • Raised in the Two by Twos Cult (2x2, The Truth) - Kari and Kyle Hanks Pt. 1 | Ep. 2008

    Raised in the Two by Twos Cult (2x2, The Truth) - Kari and Kyle Hanks Pt. 1 | Ep. 2008
    Apr 9 2025

    Kari & Kyle Hanks share their journey of leaving the secretive 2x2 church, a religious group with no official name, written doctrine, or corporate structure. They discuss their upbringings, struggles with faith, the exclusivity of the religion, and the trauma they endured. From discovering the church’s hidden history to creating a support group for ex-members, they expose abuse scandals, strict doctrines on women, and emotional suppression within the group. Their deconstruction was influenced by the Mormon Stories Podcast, COVID-19, and personal revelations about belief, identity, and autonomy. Now, they advocate for informed consent and support those leaving high-control religions.

    Show Notes

    YouTube


    Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

    Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:

    • One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox
    • Support us on Patreon
    • PayPal
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    Our Platforms:

    • YouTube
    • Patreon
    • Spotify
    • Apple Podcasts


    Contact us:
    MormonStories@gmail.com
    PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117


    Social Media:

    • Insta: @mormstories
    • TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast
    • Join the Discord
    Más Menos
    2 h y 35 m
  • Mormon Church Employee Speaks Out about SECRET Membership Committee! w/ Kate Lyn Whitaker | Ep. 2007

    Mormon Church Employee Speaks Out about SECRET Membership Committee! w/ Kate Lyn Whitaker | Ep. 2007
    Apr 4 2025

    After five years of reflection, Kate opens up about her journey growing up in a strict Mormon household, serving a mission in Argentina, and working for the LDS Church. She shares pivotal moments of doubt, her experiences in church administration, and the troubling realities she uncovered in the Confidential Records department. From questioning church discipline policies to witnessing firsthand how the institution handles abuse cases, Kate's story reveals the struggles and insights that ultimately led her to leave the church. Join us as she discusses faith, disillusionment, and life after Mormonism.

    Show Notes

    YouTube


    00:00:00 Beginning

    00:03:40 Kate Lyn’s Mormon story begins

    00:10:20 Confessing "sins" to her bishop

    00:16:44 Decides to serve a mission

    00:30:37 Hardest parts of mission

    00:39:58 “Golden investigator” on mission was con man

    00:47:33 Started working for the church

    00:49:00 Worked with high level leaders

    01:14:25 People trying to steal from the church

    01:18:53 Confidential Records department

    01:22:46 Reading about bad things in the discipline documents

    02:13:12 Becoming PIMO (physically in mentally out"

    02:15:56 Woman excommunicated for sleeping with her bishop at 14 years old

    02:24:37 “I don't think I would have left the church, if I didn’t work for the church”

    02:39:40 On Mormons who look down on people


    Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

    Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:

    • One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox
    • Support us on Patreon
    • PayPal
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    Our Platforms:

    • YouTube
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    Contact us:
    MormonStories@gmail.com
    PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117


    Social Media:

    • Insta: @mormstories
    • TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast
    • Join the Discord
    Más Menos
    2 h y 50 m
  • Why Mormon Women Are Leaving the Church - Jared Halverson Meltdown | Ep. 2006

    Why Mormon Women Are Leaving the Church - Jared Halverson Meltdown | Ep. 2006
    Apr 1 2025

    On March 12, 2025, Church educator and BYU professor Jared Halverson released an Instagram short where he stated: “One of the statistics that has worried me the most of late, comes from a survey that was done in 2023 and it’s suggesting that for the first time that I can think of, more women are leaving religion than men are.” Is this true? Why are more women leaving Mormonism than men are? Join us today as we gather with Katie Rich (author of Fifty Years of Exponent II), Amy McPhie Allebest (of the Breaking Down Patriarchy YouTube channel), and Abby Maxwell Hansen (who was threatened with excommunication for her profile on Ordain Women in 2013 and an Exponent II blogger since 2019), as well as writer and columnist Jana Riess to discuss this growing phenomenon.Jared Halverson is an associate professor of Ancient Scriptures and served for over 20 years in the Church Education System. Halverson earned his BA in History and MA in Religious Education. He has been a featured speaker in devotionals as well as in academic settings. He is the host of the YouTube channel and podcast titled “Unshaken.”You can view Jared Halverson’s original video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TevsIrw1nqsShow Notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/why-are-women-leaving-the-mormon-church/
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    3 h y 6 m
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